Adoration question

[Catholic_EC]

Is the reading of scripture and the preaching on those readings by laypersons normal during adoration? Is it normal for laypeople to preside during adoration, lead in the prayers, expose the blessed sacrament use the censor. when a preist or deacon could be available to perform this duty? The reason why I ask is this has been going on at my parish for some time.
As a EMHC I understand that the handling of the blessed sacrament is a privilege, and the EMHC’s are to be used only if needed (lack of ordained ministers at a mass to perform the duty)
I have allways felt uncomfortable with a lay person doing these things, I have never questioned my pastor. Am I over-sensitive in this situation? What are the norms for this situation?
The layperson doing this has begun formal instruction for diaconite very recently, but as I stated this has been going on for some time, and this layperson was not in any formal instruction untill about three months ago.

This has been on my mind for some time I just want to know if my feelings on this are warranted or if I should just get over them. Thank you for your responses.

 

[dorrbell]

From what I have read and seen, it should only be done in a grave circumstance. earlier this year my priest injured his foot and he asked the the EMHC just to place the Blessed Sacrament into the Monstrance nothing else nothing more.

I dont believe that a lay person should be doing any of those things unless needed to assist the priest.

 

[Vico]

Is this Vatican document helpful?

1. In adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which can take different forms, several elements deriving from the Liturgy and from popular piety come together and it is not always easy to determine their limits(177):

• a simple visit to the Blessed Sacrament: a brief encounter with Christ inspired by faith in the real presence and characterized by silent prayer;
• adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed for a period of time in a monstrance or pyx in accordance with liturgical norm(178);
• perpetual adoration or the* Quarantore*, involving an entire religious community, or Eucharistic association, or parish, which is usually an occasion for various expressions of Eucharistic piety(179).

The faithful should be encouraged to read the Scriptures during these periods of adoration, since they afford an unrivalled source of prayer. Suitable hymns and canticles based on those of the Liturgy of the Hours and the liturgical seasons could also be encouraged, as well as periods of silent prayer and reflection. Gradually, the faithful should be encouraged not to do other devotional exercises during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament(180). Given the close relationship between Christ and Our Lady, the rosary can always be of assistance in giving prayer a Christological orientation, since it contains meditation of the Incarnation and the Redemption(181).

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20020513_vers-direttorio_en.html

 

[Matthew_Holford]

Lay people may expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament: acolytes, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and other lay people deputed by the bishop. In the Catholic college where I work the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for 30 minutes adoration every morning. It is exposed and reposed by the college’s lay chaplain.